“On Sunday, 5 November, Parihaka Day will be commemorated with a day-long peace conference at the Auckland Central Library hosted by Auckland Peace Action starting at 10am,” said Auckland Peace Action member Te Ao Pritchard.
“We are marking that day that in 1881 when 1600 volunteer and Armed Constabulary troops marched on the pacifist settlement at Parihaka. Parihaka’s leaders, Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi, were arrested and imprisoned along with many other men from the community.”
“The resistance of the people of Parihaka to violent colonialism is the foundation of the modern peace movement in Aotearoa New Zealand. We invite people to join us to honour that resistance, and build on it by working for peace and justice today.”
“The day will feature speakers Ruakere Hond and Tonga Karena from Parihaka Pa , and as well as a panel discussing militarism in the Pacific featuring new MP Golriz Ghahraman, Ema Tagicakibau, and Maire Leadbeater. A panel discussing colonial symbols and what should be done about them will feature commentary from Tina Ngata, Te Ao Pritchard, and JJ Carberry.”
“We hope this Second Parihaka Day conference in Auckland will be an inclusive and conversational space for people to learn and share both about the past and present-day challenges of building peace in our communities and wider world.”
Parihaka Day beats Matariki hands down.
As a nation we need to reflect frequently on the colonialism and power driven injustice that thrives still today.
Now it is corporate and transnational colonialism with endemic corruption..
The stars can and will look after themselves.
Comments are closed.